USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 75
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Like his wife, Mr. Dows was ever deeply interested in that which worked for the betterment and advancement of the community. He was naturally an enthus- iast in the cause of education, serving for many years as a trustee of Coe College of this eity and of Cornell College at Mount Vernon. Fraternally he was a Knight Templar Mason and an Odd Fellow. He began with nothing, not once but several times, for he made and lost several fortunes before he gathered the last and largest one. Ile had worked and worked hard at anything that came to his hands from primitive railroad building to digging gold. He traveled Illinois and Iowa on foot because he had nothing with which to pay for conveyance ; later he built railroads in every direction and did it at a time when the financing of such a project was a difficult problem. Ile frequently took what seemed like desperate chances, but his unusual business sagacity enabled him to be on the winning side. He served in the Civil war with distinction, for he was not too busy with private affairs to forget the duty which he owed to his country and to humanity. His life was typical of the great, growing west to which growth he contributed so largely. He was a man of action rather than of theory and with determined purpose carried forward to successful completion whatever he under- took, and in his death Cedar Rapids lost one of the most rugged, honest, capable and honorable men that the eity has ever known.
JOHN R. AMIDON
The personnel of the Security Savings Bank of Cedar Rapids is such as insures the safety of depositors and of investors. Its officers are men of tried integrity and worth, of broad business experience and of sound and discriminating judg- ment. In this connection John R. Amidon is well known as the vice president of the institution and thus active in the management of its affairs. He was born
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in St. Joseph county, Michigan, May 29, 1840, and his youthful days were spent in the home of his parents, Henry and Mary (Rickert) Amidon. The father was a carpenter by trade and eventually carried on business as a contractor and builder. Arriving in Iowa in 1846, he spent eight months in Catese, Dubuque county, and then took up his abode in the city of Dubuque, there residing until 1850, when he went to American Bar, California. He realized the fact that the discovery of gold on the coast and the great emigration to that country would cause a stimulus and activity in all lines of trade and wisely concluded to become a factor in the building operations of the state. There he remained until his early death in 1852, and his wife survived him for only six years.
John R. Amidon was a youth of twelve years when his father passed away. At an early age he began working on a Michigan farm and some time later secured a position in a general store belonging to his uncle in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, remaining in that employ until the business was sold in 1858. Realizing that his lack of education hampered his progress, Mr. Amidon then attended sehool for a year and in 1860 crossed the plains. That summer was spent in work in the mines at Mountain City, Colorado, and in the succeeding fall he returned to Shullsburg, Wisconsin, where he remained until the spring of 1861.
Hardly had the smoke of Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when, on the 19th of April, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company I, Third Wisconsin Infantry, with which he remained on active duty during the entire period of hostilities, being home only for a thirty days' furlough. He rose to the rank of second lieutenant and was made quartermaster sergeant at At- lanta in 1864. Early in 1865 he was promoted to the second lieutenaney and transferred to Company B, with which he remained until honorably discharged on the 18th of July, of that year. He had participated in the battles of Chan- cellorsville, Antietam, Gettysburg and other important engagements, which were elements in the success that finally crowned the Union arms. He also went with Sherman on the march to the sea and was present at the surrender of Johnson. His military record was altogether creditable, being characterized by the faithful performance of every duty, whether it called him to the firing line or stationed him on the lonely picket line.
After leaving the army Mr. Amidon went to Minneapolis and secured a posi- tion in a dry-goods house, where he spent the winter. In the spring of 1866 he visited his sisters in Michigan and about a year and a half later removed to Galena, Illinois, where he secured a clerkship, there remaining until 1869. Dur- ing that same year in Blairstown, lowa, in company with A. F. Allen, he organ- ized what is now the Benton County State Bank, which, however, was originally conducted as a private banking institution under the firm name of Allen & Amidon. In October, 1873, Mr. Amidon sold his interest in the bank to his partner and in the following November came to Cedar Rapids, with the interests of which city he has now been connected for thirty-seven years. He purchased the implement business of A. T. Averill, and in company with John T. Hamilton conducted the enterprise with growing and gratifying success until 1891, when he withdrew from that field of activity. At length he purchased stoek. in the City National Bank, was made assistant cashier and also became a member of the board of directors. Later, when the bank was merged into the Citizens Na- tional Bank, he was one of the organizers of the new institution and was chosen vice president, while later he was elected to the presidency, in which capacity he was serving at the time he disposed of his interest in May, 1908. On the organ- ization of the Security Savings Bank he became the owner of considerable stoek in that institution and was elected vice president, which office he has since filled. He is also treasurer of the Cedar Rapids Canning Company and is numbered with those men whose business enterprise and industry are features in the gen- eral growth and prosperity of the city.
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In 1871 Mr. Amidon was married to Miss Naney Potwin, of Shullsburg, Wis- consin, and they became parents of four children, but only two are living. The elder, Mary Irene, is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is now librarian of Coe College. The younger daughter, Helen B., is yet at home.
Mr. Amidon belongs to Crescent Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M., and to the Knights of Pythias lodge, and is a member of the Loyal Legion. Stalwart in his republican views, he served for two years as a member of the city council. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in T. Z. Cook Post, No. 235, G. A. R., and for one term served as its commander. He is today as true and loyal to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. The same spirit of fidelity has characterized him in his relations to the city and in his business life, making him trustworthy and honored, the consensus of public opinion plaeing him with Cedar Rapids's valued and representative citizens.
GARRETT YONKERS
Garrett Yonkers, deceased, was a native of Holland, born on the 28th of May, 1850, and in that land of dikes his parents spent their entire lives. He continued a resident of Holland until nineteen years of age and during that time enjoyed the benefits of a college training. Leaving home in early manhood he sought the opportunities of the new world, having heard favorable reports concerning. the advantages here offered. Crossing the Atlantic he first located in Michigan and about 1870 eame to Cedar Rapids, where he was eonneeted with the con- struction of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, acting as paymaster. Later he was connected with the Santa Fe line in Kansas and subse- quently embarked in the hardware and lumber business, in which he was very successful. In 1891 he returned to Cedar Rapids and became associated as man- ager with the Eaton Hardware store, with which he was connected until his death.
On the 3d of December, 1874, Mr. Yonkers was married to Miss Lila Cooley, who was born in Milton, Vermont, and was a daughter of J. P. and Elizabeth (Cavanaugh) Cooley. Her mother was born in Ireland and came to the United States with her parents in her childhood days. Mr. Cooley was a native of the state of Vermont and there resided until some years after his marriage. In 1871 he came to Cedar Rapids, and, being satisfied that he would do well to locate here, he sent for his family the following year. For a time he was employed as a conductor on the railroad and later engaged in contract work, leading a busy and useful life until called to his final rest on the 22d of August, 1882. His widow still survives and is living in Cedar Rapids at the age of seventy-seven years. In the family of this worthy couple there were nine children, of whom seven are yet living.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Yonkers a daughter and son have been born: Grace F., who is a graduate of the high school ; and Harry P., who is also receiving a high school education and is studying engineering. They are both at home with their mother, who owns a fine residence at No. 1049 Fifth avenue and another at 530 Coben Court. Mrs. Yonkers is a member of the Presbyterian ehureh and her social position wins for her a cordial reception in many of the best homes of the city.
Mr. Yonkers was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and also of the Modern Woodmen of America. His political views were in harmony with the principles of the republican party and he took an active interest in furthering its growth and promoting its success, but never sought nor desired
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office for himself. His death occurred April 7, 1894. The words citizenship and duty were never to him idle terms. He faithfully performed every publie service that devolved upon him and met every obligation of social and home life. He was loyal in friendship and devoted to the welfare of his family, and where the question of right and wrong was involved his position was never an equivocal one, his influence ever being given on the side of justice and right.
GARRETSON LYON CARHART, M. D.
Dr. Garretson Lyon Carhart was at the time of his death, which occurred on the 20th of April, 1910, one of the oldest residents of Linn county, having passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey. He came to this county in 1855 and for many years was prominently identified with its professional interests as a physician and surgeon, his home being in Marion. His birth occurred in Beth- lehem township, Albany county, New York, on the 28th of February, 1824, his parents being Robert D. and Catharine (Rowe) Carhart. The father, who was a tanner by trade, took up his abode in the Empire state at an early age. There the Doctor was reared and obtained his more specifieally literary education in the schools of Albany and also of JJonesville, Saratoga county. In 1844 he attended the Albany Academy and the following year commeneed the study of medieine with Dr. James P. Boyd, of that eity. He was graduated from the Albany Medi- eal College in February, 1848, and began the practice of his chosen profession in Wyoming county, New York. While there he married Miss Bertha Bancroft, a relative of the noted historian, George Bancroft, their wedding being celebrated on the 27th of March, 1850.
It was in 1855 that Dr. Carhart came to the Mississippi valley, driving across the country from Chicago to Mount Vernon, lowa, where he practiced his pro- fession until his removal to Marion in 1872. In the meantime, when this country became involved in civil war, he enlisted in defense of the Union, being eommis- sioned surgeon of the Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, October 13, 1862. Ile was subsequently made chief surgeon of the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, serving under Colonel Smyth in Sherman's army, and participated in about twenty engagements. After two years of service he was compelled to re- sign, however, on account of failing health and resumed private practice in Mount Vernon, where he continued to make his home, as previously stated, until coming to Marion in 1878. In this city he likewise enjoyed an extensive and lucrative patronage, proving himself fully able to cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life.
While a resident of Mount Vernon Dr. Carhart lost his first wife, and of the three children born to them the two sons have also passed away, the only one now living being his daughter, Martha Eunice, who is the wife of Charles Hughes, of Dubuque, and has two children, Ralph and Garretson. In 1871 the Doctor was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Dickson Spearman, of Manchester, lowa, who still survives him, together with their only child, William G., now a practicing physician of Marion. The son was graduated from the Uni- versity of Michigan in 1904 and has been engaged in practice in Marion since the Ist of October, 1907. He was married July 12. 1899. to Miss Harriet M. Bell, a daughter of James Bell, one of the pioneers of Linn county, and to them has been born a daughter, Margaret E., whose birth occurred June 5, 1900.
Dr. Carhart continued in the active practice of medicine until 1887, when he retired and spent his last years in case and quiet. At the age of thirteen he was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he ro-
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mained an active member, exemplifying its teachings in his daily life. The in- terests of the church were always dear to him and he did all in his power to ad- vance the moral welfare of the community, being especially aetive in educational and temperance reform. As one of the trustees of Cornell College he was in- strumental in building up that institution at an early day and was officially con- nected with the church for over half a century. He maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Mitchell Post, G. A. R., and was prominent in its affairs. fn citizenship he was as faithful to his country as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields and public opinion, which seldom errs, placed him in the front rank among those deserving of the admiration and respect of their fellowmen.
WALTER STANSBY KING, M. D.
Dr. Walter Stansby King, a prominent physician and surgeon of Cedar Rap- ids, was born in that city on the 19th of September, 1871, and is a son of David W. King and a grandson of David W. King, Sr., who was the first settler on the west side of the river. That section of the city which for many years bore the name of Kingston was so called in his honor. He came from Michigan to Iowa, arriving here on the 18th of June, 1839. The journey was made with ox-teams, the family camping and cooking by the wayside. He found on his arrival nearly a thousand Indians encamped on the bank of the Cedar river. He built a home directly opposite the island and at one time owned practically all of what is now west Cedar Rapids. He also established the first ferry across the river and oper- ated it for many years. Ilis wife bore the maiden name of Mary A. Singer and was the first white woman to become a resident of the west side. The death of David W. King, Sr., occurred in 1854, when he was but forty-five years of age.
Dr. King of this review acquired his early education in the public schools of Cedar Rapids and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1889. Having decided to enter the medical profession, he took a preparatory course at Cedar Rapids and then entered Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1891 and graduated from that institution in 1894. Ile then opened an office in his native city in partnership with Dr. A. II. Johnson, which connection has existed up to the present time. He has met with excellent success in his chosen life work and is today regarded as one of the most prominent and progressive physicians and surgeons of the city.
On the 17th of January, 1906, Dr. King was united in marriage to Miss Mabel C. Gravatt of Traer, Iowa. She is a granddaughter of Ones Gravatt, who was born in London, England, and married Sarah Howiek, a daughter of Stephen Howick, who was also born in London. Albert Gravatt, the father of Mrs. King, was a native of Celina, Ohio, and, having arrived at years of maturity, he married Irene F. Morse, a daughter of Charles and Esther (Lane) Morse, both whom were natives of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gravatt are now residents of Traer. Their daughter Mabel, who became the wife of Dr. King, is a graduate of St. Luke's Hospital Training School for Nurses, in Cedar Rapids.
The Doctor is very popular both in social and fraternal eireles and is today an honored member of the Linn County Medical Society, the Towa Union Medical Society, the lowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He also belongs to Mount Herman Lodge, No. 263, A. F. & A. M. ; Trowel Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M. ; Apollo Commandery, No. 26, Knights Templar ; Iowa Consistory. No. 2, A. & A. S. R .; El Kahir Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and holds membership in the Modern Woodmen Camp and the Maccabee Lodge, being also connected with the Cedar Rapids Country Club and the Cedar Rapids Automobile Club.
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His principal reereations are shooting and motoring and he is an enthusiast on the subject of the automobile. His politieal support is given to the republican party and he is now serving as coroner of Linn county, to which office he was eleeted in 1907. He is preeminently a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influenee as a physician who stands high in the regard of his professional brethren and his genial manner has made him popular wherever known.
FRANCIS M. WOOD
Francis M. Wood, who has already won for himself a prominent place in the business eireles of Cedar Rapids, is the president of the Iowa Anto Company and has attained a highly ereditable measure of success for one of his years. His birth oeeurred in Anamosa, Iowa, on the 27th of December, 1884, his parents being Francis M. and Hattie (Weaver) Wood. The father, who followed general agri- cultural pursuits in Iowa throughout his entire business career, passed away in 1900. The mother still survives, however, and now makes her home in Cedar Rapids. Her children are four in number, as follows: Franeis M., of this review ; and Grant M., John C. and Nancy L., all of whom are attending school.
Francis M. Wood obtained his education in the grammar and high schools of Anamosa and Cedar Rapids, completing his studies in 1904. Immediately after- ward he embarked in the line of activity with which he has sinee been identified. becoming a partner of Fred D. Weaver for the eonduet of an automobile business. At the end of three years he sold his interest to Mr. Weaver and after a year of inactivity organized the Iowa Auto Company, of which he has sinee served as president. The other officers of the concern are P. H. Boyson and W. E. Dean, Jr., who act as treasurer and secretary respectively. The company's quarters are splendidly equipped in every particular and Mr. Wood is thoroughly familiar with the business in principle and detail. Sinee its inception the enterprise has enjoyed a steady growth and its sueeess is attributable in large measure to the excellent business ability and keen discernment of the young man at its head. Mr. Wood belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is also a member of the Commercial Club. Ile is popular in social and business eireles alike and the eirele of his friends is almost eoextensive with the eirele of his acquaintances.
B. F. MILLBURN
B. F. Millburn is the owner of the Maplewood Stock Farm, situated on seetion 23, Monroe township, and comprising one hundred and fifty-nine aeres of rieh and productive land. He was born in the township in which he still makes his home, on the 3d of August, 1874, and is a son of Isaae and Olivia (MaeLaskey) Millburn. The father was one of the representative farmers of Linn county. where for many years he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was born at the head waters of the bay of Fundy, in the province of New Brunswick, August 12, 1818, and resided with his parents until twenty-one years of age. The following year he began to learn the millwright's trade with his brother-in-law, Oliver Dow, at Calais, Maine, and there continued for four years, during which time he gained a broad and practical knowledge of the business. Feeling that his edneational training was not sufficient to enable him to cope with conditions in the business world in the manner he desired, he then entered the academy at Mount Allison, Sacville, New Brunswiek, where he pursued a course
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of study for eighteen months. The family still have his certificate received from that institution, indicating that he had completed certain branches taught there. In 1850 he arrived in Linn county, lowa, and built the first sawmill in Monroe township. This he owned and operated for a quarter of a century and in all of his business undertakings, which were of wide scope, he met with more than ordinary success. He entered eighty acres of land and as the years passed he extended the boundaries of his property until he became the owner of four hun- dred and thirty-five acres, constituting a very valuable and productive farm. IIe also made investments in real estate in Cedar Rapids, his holdings thus becoming extensive and yielding to him a substantial income.
On the 28th of November, 1854, Isaac Millburn was united in marriage to Miss Olivia MacLaskey, also a native of New Brunswick. They traveled life's journey together for more than forty years and were then separated in the death of Mr. Millburn, in September, 1895. His widow still survives and now makes her home with her son, B. F. Millburn.
Upon the homestead farm in Monroe township B. F. Millburn was reared, early becoming familiar with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting, as he assisted his father in the operation of the farm. After attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account and the occupation to which he was reared he has followed as his life work. The farm upon which he now resides, on see- tion 23, Monroe township, is a good tract of land of one hundred and fifty-nine acres, known as the Maplewood Stock Farm. It is adorned with some fine maple trees and hence its name. Here he is engaged in the raising of high grades of stock and is an excellent judge of the value of farm animals, so that he makes judicious purchases and profitable sales. He is systematic in carrying on his business and his energy and industry are the source of his success.
In 1901 Mr. Millburn married Miss Blanche Morris, who was born in Monroe township in 1875 and is a daughter of N. S. and Mary (Vaughn) Morris. IFer mother is now deceased but the father is still living in Monroe township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Millburn three children have been born: Mildred M., Maud L. and Iris Pauline. Mrs. Millburn is a member of the Church of Christ. She presides with gracious hospitality over her home and extends to the many friends of the family a cordial welcome.
In his political views Mr. Millburn is an earnest republican and for three years has been township trustee, proving a capable and acceptable official in that office. He is well known to the residents of Linn county, having always resided within its borders, and his success is well merited in that his business affairs have ever been energetically and honorably conducted.
L. G. HALL
L. G. Hall has been identified with the business interests of Coggon for many years and for the past twenty-three years has been engaged in the drug trade, in which connection he has become a well known and prosperous merchant. His birth occurred near Lima, Ohio, on the 15th of October, 1863, his parents being William and Mary Ellen (Manner) Hall, who were likewise natives of the Buck- eye state. The year 1869 witnessed their arrival in Linn county, the family home being established on a farm in Jackson township. They reared six children, of whom five are still living. Both the parents are deceased, the mother passing away in 1885, while the father, surviving for many years, departed this life in 1906.
L. G. Hall spent the first six years of his life in the place of his nativity and was then brought to Linn county by his parents, since which time he has made his home in this section of the state. From his early youth until he attained his
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majority he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, with the exception of the period that he attended the public schools and Coe College at Cedar Rapids. After leaving college he engaged in teaching for four terms but this not proving to his liking he sought success in the field of merchandising, being engaged as clerk in a general store for two years and a half. At the end of that time he opened a drug store in Coggon, the year of his entrance in this business being 1887. The same year he pursued a course in and was graduated from the National Institute of Pharmacy of Chicago and thus entered upon his business well equipped for the onerous and responsible duties which have since devolved upon him. In 1898 he erected a two-story brick building, in which he has sinee main- tained his store, carrying a complete stock of drugs and druggist's sundries so that he is able to meet the demands of the general public in this line. IIe is an investor in Canada real estate, beside owning town lots in Cedar Rapids and ('oggon, and he is likewise a director in the State Bank of Coggon. In business affairs his sagacity is keen and his judgment sound.
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